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3.04.2012

Lisa Tener is a
published author, blogger and Book Writing Coach who happens to be in the
business of helping authors, writers and
creative folks realize their dream of publication. Lisa has appeared on ABC
News with Peter Jennings as well as PBS-TV and even more impressive has clients who have been
published with major publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner and
Random House . Many of her clients have appeared on television programs such as
Oprah, Good Morning America and more! Her experience in the field is extensive
and broad whether addressing entrepreneurial women or Harvard Publishing course
students, Lisa is sharing secrets to success. Here she is to share some
inspiration today for any of us who have ever dreamed of birthing that book!

OK, personal stuff first!

I would like to ask you about
your desires from childhood- how they line up with your current profession.
What came first the teacher or the writer; in other words what did you
want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be an author, but I thought I’d write
fiction, since that’s what I read when I was in grammar school. I took a
detoured, route, though and did not become an author until my thirties.

I did also teach in grammar school—In 4th, 5th
and 6th grade I tutored first and second graders. And I enjoyed
finding their interests so I could create a doorway to reading for them. For
example, Cathy hated reading, but it turned out she loved to act—we would read
a book and then put on a play about it for her mom.

Where exactly did you grow up
and where do you reside currently? I grew
up in Queens, NY, but spent school vacations in New Brunswick Canada, right on
the Bay of Fundy—that’s where I got my nature fix. I don’t know what I would
have done without that connection.

I now live in Saunderstown, RI and I teach my book
writing classes on a point that juts out into the sea. I love the Ocean and
feel so lucky to live and teach here.

What is the one professional
thing/tool you can't live without ?I
suppose my computer. I’m on it all day to write, blog and connect with others.

What is the most significant
thing (experience, event, influence) that you experienced in your life that you
believe shaped/impacted or directed your
life?Probably there were many, but one
is an illness I had that led to a spiritual awakening—I didn’t really have much
of a spiritual life before that and I was very shut down. It really opened me
up.

Who is your biggest influence,
inspiration or role model?So many. I’d
probably say the healers in my life have been my biggest influence—Doug Jansen
who helped me heal from that first illness and started me on that awakening
path and now I work with an amazing intuitive, Julia Griffin.

Just leave a comment in the section below sharing your favorite How To Book or Memoir and you will be entered for a chance to win.

What is the most important
concern for an aspiring writer to address prior to publication in your opinion?1. Answer the question: What is your
vision for what the book will do for your readers, your community and also for
your own life and work. 2. Be really clear who you’re writing for.

How would you help a writer set
goals and manage themselves with regard to time management and organization? Schedule writing time into your calendar
and keep it sacred. Don’t be value, but be specific: Monday from 2-5. Something
like that.

Do you think it is possible for
an author to be successful in more than one genre?Yes,
absolutely. Stephen King has written in several genres and he even got away
with a book that’s half memoir and half how-to. But you don’t want to confuse
your fans, either. It easiest to make a name for yourself in one genre and then
add others.

What Writer's Contests do you
believe would offer the most possibility for connection and publication for
aspiring writers?Writer’s Digest
contests are great, but you can’t answer this question until you know the
audience for the book—which awards would they most notice and be interested in?

You have a wonderfully diverse
experiential background and many accomplishments; which of these has brought
you the most personal satisfaction? I’m so proud of the books I’ve helped people
to write and the way our work has impacted their lives and often their
businesses. I also love helping people
tap into their inner knowing. I do this especially with a visualization I guide
people in that I call, “Meet Your Muse.”

Lisa I know that you are
offering a free "Birth Your Book" opportunity on March 7th. Can you
tell us what that will do for us and why we should not miss it, besides the
fact that you are leading it, of course! It will help you get past overwhelm and get started if
you’re at the beginning and if you’ve started and gotten stuck, it will help
you get re-inspired. We’ll answer questions and we’ll also go over the
opportunity to join one of my book writing programs which begin soon.

I may be stretching the definition of "How-To Book" but I'm currently reading Me and My Big Mouth by Joyce Meyer, and it's great. It's really teaching me "how to" harness the power of my words. It's good stuff!

My favourite memoir is the Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. Poignant and funny, it was a book I had to read from start to finish in just one weekend...Also, I just listened to Lisa's call and would love to work through her program. What a lovely, lovely person!

Dawn, thanks for sharing this interview with us. I often get homesick and wish for my native Rhode Island. . . this is one of these times. What fun it would be to attend the class. I'll have to console me with the beautiful scenery on your blog instead. I grew up on Narragansett Bay, in Bristol -- a much rockier coastline than what I see here. Southern blessings to you from South Carolina, where it was a balmy 75 degrees today.